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The lowdown on protein supplements

The dietary supplement market has grown rapidly over the past 10 years, creating new products to help improve athletic performance and the boost the effectiveness of regular exercise.

Some of the most popular dietary supplements are protein supplements. There are thousands of different protein supplements on the market today. But knowing why, how much, when and which protein supplement to use is often overlooked. Below are some frequently asked questions when it comes to supplementing protein.

How is protein used during exercise?

While carbohydrates are the main energy source for the body, protein plays an important role in exercise. Protein is used to create, sustain and repair muscle cells. The metabolism of protein during exercise is affected by many factors, including age, gender, type of exercise, intensity and duration.

So how much protein do I need?

According to the American Dietetic Association, the daily protein recommendation for a healthy adult is 0.36 grams per pound of body weight. So, for example, a 150-pound adult would need about 54 grams of protein a day, which can be met by eating 6 ounces of chicken. For endurance athletes, the daily protein recommendation increases to 0.55-0.64 grams/pound because of the increased protein turnover during exercise. The protein recommendation is also increased for strength-training athletes (0.55-0.77 grams/pound). This additional protein is needed, along with adequate energy intake from carbohydrates, to sustain muscle stores and support muscle growth. These protein recommendations can be met through diet alone by consuming foods high in protein, such as lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, soy, milk and dairy products like yogurt and cheese.

When should I consider using a protein supplement?

While adequate protein intake can be achieved from whole foods, there are some benefits to using protein supplements. Protein supplements are a convenient way to ensure that you meet your protein needs. These are especially useful when you don’t have time to go home and prepare a meal after a workout or if you have trouble eating before an early morning trip to the gym.